County parks group, Rotarians and donors raise nearly $1 million for Treasure Cove playground

Mariah Roberts, a presenter for the county parks fundraising campaign, told the Capitola City Council the Treasure Cove (Treasure Hill) playground effort has raised nearly $965,000 in private donations to support a universally accessible play space.

The campaign, launched in August 2023 and presented to the council under item 3, combined individual gifts, foundation grants and community fundraising events. Roberts said the campaign attracted more than 1,500 individual donors and a variety of events, including exercise classes, a sold‑out benefit and a bike ride. She said the largest aggregate gift came from members of the Capitola‑Aptos Rotary Club who raised close to $300,000.

Brenda Gutierrez, introduced by the presenters as a county parks volunteer and county commissioner on disabilities, described why inclusive playgrounds matter. “As a disabled child, I often struggled with loneliness and being left out due to that lack of accessibility,” Gutierrez said. “Inclusive playgrounds are vital to ensure that disabled children have equal opportunity to engage, connect, and thrive.”

Other public commenters included Heidi Kellison, a committee member and donor, who urged the council to maintain its commitment; Rich Hamlin and Nelson Crandall, leaders from the Capitola‑Aptos Rotary Club, who highlighted the club’s fundraising role and large, memorial gifts; and Tina Andrieta, a donor who said she looks forward to a summer groundbreaking.

Council members offered brief public thanks and recognition for volunteers and donors during council comments. Councilmember Peterson said the city appreciates “the community come together like this for this great project,” and Mayor Clark and others echoed support.

No formal council action was required or taken on the presentation. City staff noted related materials were distributed and available online and in print.